ASAPH STUDENT CONCERT

ASAPH STUDENT CONCERT:

Last night, ASAPH’s young music teachers directed their students in a fun and relaxed Friday evening concert on the pickleball court next door to ASAPH. This was the second year for the event.

LEADERSHIP: Because I am in the USA, planning and organizing fell to WEC, his wife, and about four or five young music teachers. Anemson’n, a recent high school graduate, took the lead in preparing for the event with the ASAPH administration. ASAPH leaders study a four-prong approach to project realization. We focus on 1) planning, 2) organizing, 3) directing, and 4) evaluating projects like this. In an early evaluation, we can say their work on this project was exceptional!

SUPPORT: Students, parents, and friends filled every chair available and stood around the pickleball court…proving strong community support for ASAPH’s music ministry.

ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere was relaxed but positive. As is true in many concerts in Haiti, the entertainment goes on for hours. Along the way, you may see a few songs that ‘go crooked’, but you will always find true gems if you keep following along. Last night, there were some beautiful performances. Little kids shocked the crowd with their new abilities. Older students tried things they had never done…in front of a crowd. There was applause and also laughter. It was all encouraging and felt like an atmosphere where people are able to try new things.

DIRECTION: Canado and Dadou hosted the program as masters of the ceremony. Canado is a music teacher as well. He anchored the program as the “play-by-play” guy and did so with grace. Dadou is young man we call “the shadow”. He never wants to speak. He provided the “color commentary”. Last year I suggested him as MC almost as a joke, but to my surprise he accepted! He does a fine job, and the public recognizes the irony of Dadou “the shadow” holding a mic and addressing a crowd. Our community is good that way. ASAPH is all about helping people to grow! 

PROGRESS: I was obliged to watch via a live post. I saw young students of mine who played much better than when I left in December. I saw students who I don’t know well at all. They are students of my students, and they are growing without me.  That is a blessing to see.

WORK: An event like this is a huge amount of work beginning days before the event and lasting a few days after the event. WEC and the ASAPH team did everything necessary for success. It was touching to see the product via live video. That aspect alone (setting up equipment and making it work) is a huge amount of work.

BRANCH SUPPORT: ASAPH’s ministry includes several branches. Last night was the focus was the “music academy”. While they performed, the girls’ choir prepared and manned a food vending stand that added to the atmosphere. Leaders from other branches also gave time to event.

In conclusion, the February 28th concert was a great success. You can watch in on WEC’s Facebook account.

If you supported ASAPH last month (February), this is an event that you can feel great about. This is proof that your ASAPH dollars are on the ground making a difference in the lives of people in one small community on the Southern coast of Haiti. Thank you for being with us!




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